Ornstein CONFIRMS Arsenal plan for in-demand wonderkid

Cameron Smith

23 Mar 2025 16:00 GMT
3 min read

Andrea Berta, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Arsenal are reportedly in a “strong position” to tie Max Dowman down to a long-term professional contract when he turns 17, although they will face significant competition from multiple top clubs across Europe.

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The 15-year-old is considered to be one of England’s biggest talents and he recently became the youngest goalscorer in UEFA Youth League history after netting against Atalanta in September 2024.

Dowman is already a regular participant in Arsenal’s first-team training sessions and Mikel Arteta’s side are determined to convince him to remain at the club amid significant interest in his services.

Arsenal have lost both Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven to Manchester United in the last year, and they are eager to avoid the same scenario happening with Dowman.

The teenager will be eligible to sign scholarship terms following his 16th birthday in December, but he could opt to leave Arsenal as multiple clubs are set to pursue a deal.

David Ornstein confirms Arsenal plan for Max Dowman

During a Q&A with The Athletic, Ornstein revealed what Arsenal must do to secure Dowman’s signature.

“I guess it's down to Arsenal to do enough to convince him to sign, and obviously we might not know if they've succeeded in that until late 2025 or early 2026,” Ornstein admitted.

“Given he has come through there and is an Arsenal fan, they appear to be in a strong position. But considering most big clubs would love to sign him, Arsenal will need to prove their pathway and plans are right for him.

“He, in turn, must continue to excel as well. There's been no suggestion that he'll get special dispensation to play for the first team this campaign, so unless that changes in these final months the focus will be on continuing to integrate into the senior set-up in pre-season and shining in 2025-26.

“The fact Arsenal took him to Dubai recently indicates how highly Mikel Arteta thinks of Dowman so let's see how the next weeks go (he has big games for England this week and next) and also show respect to the development of a precocious young talent for club and country.”